12-year-old Music Will Student Opens for Michael Franti
Jade Adams of Jersey City, NJ wrote an original composition called “Change” and thought her dreams came true when she received her very own electric guitar and amp from Music Will. She never even considered how many more amazing opportunities would follow.
Most recently, she was invited onstage by Michael Franti at the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ to perform the song that has become an anthem for the transformational power of music.
Seven Music Will students from three local New Jersey schools joined Executive Director Dave Wish at the soundcheck of Michael Franti & Spearhead’s October 29th concert to present him an award for helping raise $1,400 by painting a guitar for Music Will’s celebrity guitar auction. The proceeds will help Music Will bring free instruments and lessons to approximately 70 more low-income children.
Though Franti was running late to the soundcheck due to a hospital visit, the students met the band and even got to plug in and play a few songs for them.
When Franti arrived, Jade played “Change” for him and he was so affected by the song’s powerful message and her passionate singing voice that he invited her and her family to attend the show as his special guests. Then, just before taking the stage, Franti introduced the young Music Will student to a packed crowd of over 2,000 as she performed the song for the largest audience she had ever seen.
Jade’s life has changed from the day she began learning to play guitar to the day she opened for Michael Franti at the Wellmont Theatre. Due to the positive impact that music has had on her life, she is destined for many more wonderful changes.